From the Workshop
Our workshop services a variety of leather goods including luxury items, unique finds and things of sentimental value. We’re passionate about delivering creative and custom crafted solutions for our clients. Please find examples of our workmanship below, along with the repair or restoration processes that were recommended and carried out by our craftsmen.
FEATURED REPAIR
Scratched Ferragamo block heels, re-covered with black patent leather.
Chanel Flats Repair
"I've only worn them a few weeks..."
Background
Classic two tone Chanel beige flats with black caps. A versatile and popular choice among women but also very delicate mainly due to the soft lambskin leather upper (easily scratched) and thin leather soles. The proactive customer brought the shoes into the workshop when she noticed the soles and heels starting to wear.
Treatment
The Chanels were brought in just in time for a service. The leather soles were still intact and did not require replacement while only the top layers on the rubber heels were worn in. Thin profile (1mm) chocolate coloured Vibram rubber was applied to preserve the soles, the leather was then cleaned and the embossed Chanel logo restored, finally new 1/4 heels were custom crafted to match the aesthetics of the shoes.
Prada Handbag Re-dyeing
Background
An old-favourite Prada handbag used many times over the years. Structurally, the handbag was well looked after and required no significant repairs. Unfortunately, as is common with lighter tanned leathers, the cream colour had begun to develop a browny complexion. A few blue pen marks were also found on the leather.
Treatment
The condition of the leather was still intact apart from the discolouration. It was determined a refinishing or dyeing procedure would offer best results. The handbag was re-dyed with the customer selecting a mulberry sample rather than the original cream colour. Re-dyeing was deemed more practical due to the leather being less prone to stains and therefore providing a longer lease of life to the handbag.
Louis Vuitton Replacement Handles
"I don't even think their leather..."
Background
A classic checkered Louis Vuitton Tote bag, the handles in dire need of some work. A quick inspection showed that the handles had been previously replaced with a low quality substitute material. The material covering the handles was disintegrating, revealing the piping underneath.
Treatment
It was determined that the handles were beyond repair and needed to be completely replaced. Matching dark brown leather was selected to match the tote design. This was then handcrafted into new leather handles. The edges of the handles were coated with a waxing agent, to create a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish, fit for a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Gucci Suede Loafers Cleaning
Background
These Gucci Murmont suede fringed loafers were brought into the Evans workshop worse for wear. The formerly vibrant red suede was badly discoloured from dirt and grime, most of which had accumulated on the square toes. In addition the frills were flaring outwards, leaving the shoes in an unwearable state.
Treatment
As suede is limited in colours to be re-dyed, this left our specialists with only the option of restorative cleaning. Luckily the shoes were waterproofed beforehand significantly aiding the removal of the marks without further discolouring the suede. After cleaning, the suede was then treated with nourishing formulas, to restore the complexion and softness of the leather.
Oroton Wallet Reconstruction
"I just can't part with it..."
Background
A much loved Oroton wallet, the owner had relied upon for many years. Despite the significant structural damage to the leather, the customer was determined to get his favourite accessory restored. He arrived at the Evans workshop in search of a solution, placing his trust in our craftsmen.
Treatment
The wallet required a complete reconstruction. The worn leather was first removed so the wallet could be reinforced from the inside. The piping and edges were then restored and the inner compartments and panel were re-covered with leather. The Oroton logo was cleverly preserved on the front panel, allowing the wallet to retain it’s identity.
Christian Louboutin sole repair
Background
There is something utterly enticing about the Cristian Louboutin red lacquered soles, a wardrobe staple amongst women with an interest in luxury heels. Unfortunately as this woman found, once exposed to the pavement it does not take long for the red pigment to fade as the leather soles gradually wear down. This created a predicament for the customer.
Treatment
To paint or protect? Smoothing and re-dyeing the leather would offer an aesthetically pleasing finish, but the soles would eventually wear again. As the customer had already invested a significant amount, she opted for a more long-term solution. A section of 1mm colour-matched rubber was crafted and carefully adhered to the thin leather, the soles were then finished with a black edge dressing – the process seamlessly restoring and protecting the soles.
Prada Handles & Body Refinish
"Its turning green..."
Background
A formerly chalk white saffiano structured handbag with discolouration at the corners and around the handles. The colour had worn away from the light coloured cross hatch print leather. The customer was initially reluctant to re-dye the handbag as she was concerned that the added pigment would cover the texture of the saffiano leather.
Treatment
Inspection of the handles showed the wax pressed finish of the saffiano leather had mostly deteriorated. While this was unable to be fully restored, the customer was assured that the intact areas would be unchanged after the dyeing process. The dye was applied incrementally, avoiding the build up of excessive layers and preserving the texture of the saffiano leather.
Chelsea Boots Leather Soles
Background
These classic Chelsea boots with a high quality black calve skin leather upper, had seen better days. The owner had left the boots in a dilapidated condition for some time as shown by the aged and cracked appearance of the leather soles. Remnants of hay found wedged under the heels suggested that the boots had been regularly worn in a farmyard.
Treatment
As the soles were badly deteriorated, this ruled out the option getting protective rubber or half leather soles. In addition it appeared nails and glue residue were left from a previous repair job – highlighting the soles were due for a replacement. The soles were completely removed from the uppers and new pre-cut Italian leather soles were crafted and applied. Sole stitching was not required as per the original design of the boots.
Florsheim Patent Heels Re-Cover
"I should really turf them but..."
Background
When you really love a pair of comfortable heels, throwing them away is simply just not an option. Such was the case for this customer who brought in her favourite pair of Florsheim shoes. The patent leather was badly scuffed, covered with scratches, peeling away and deteriorating at the toes – well past the point at which most women may have considered purchasing a new pair.
Treatment
The patent leather design posed a problem for our craftsmen. The heels could not be restored as patent leather is impenetrable to most dyes. This left only the option of re-covering the shoes entirely. A smooth beige leather sample was selected instead of the original patent leather. The shoes were dismantled, the worn patent removed and smooth leather attached. The final outcome resembled a new pair of heels.
Chanel Strap Repair
Background
A beloved Chanel clutch, received as an 18th gift and used on a regular basis for several years. The woman was distraught when the strap dislodged from the chain, rendering the bag unusable. On the recommendation of a work colleague, she made a visit to the Evans workshop in the hope of finding a solution.
Treatment
The strap was correctly identified as a classic Chanel as opposed to the vintage style (comprising chain links without the leather threaded through). The leather was woven through each of the gold links before being folded back and stitched. The repaired strap was then touched up with black dye to restore the discoloured areas.
Oroton Handbag Lining Replacement
Background
An enquiry from Queensland regarding an Oroton handbag, the leather lining worn and disintegrated beyond use. Having only received quotes to ‘patch and repair’ the lining from a few local shoe repairers, the owner was curious as to whether the entire lining could be replaced.
Treatment
The lining was too far gone to warrant a repair with the customer informed that replacement was indeed the best option. The Oroton bag was originally designed with three inner compartments, each of which needed to be fitted with the new leather lining, restructured and stitched from the inside. The work also included insertion of a new zip pocket and preservation of the Oroton metallic tag.
Vintage Suede Handbag Restoration
"I pulled it out of the garbage..."
Background
One women’s trash is anothers treasure. The dilapidated suede handbag, having caught the new owners eye, was saved from a nearby garbage heap. A keen collector of accessories, she brought the handbag into Evans with the knowledge that most leathers are restorable.
Treatment
Stained, discoloured and mouldy as well as falling apart structurally – the previous owner could have been forgiven for saying goodbye. The handbag was stitched and reinforced before being cleansed, nourished and recoloured with custom-matched navy blue suede dye. A great find and remarkable restoration of a vintage bag.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SATIN COVERING
Background
After searching for shoes to match her wedding dress, this customer fell in love with a pair of mulit-coloured suede Christian Louboutins. She brought her find into Evans with a 1m sample of white satin with specific instructions to cover the shoes tip to toe.
Treatment
The gold metallic trimmings and multiple shades of suede leather meant that this was not a standard covering job and the customer may have saved costs by purchasing heels with a less elaborate design. Each of the suede panels and trimmings were carefully removed, the satin measured, crafted and attached to the heels. The top portions of the paper thin beige leather insoles also needed to be slightly altered to complete the satin covering.
Nine West Shoe Dyeing White
Background
Sometimes its difficult to find stylish and comfortable heels in a specific colour. In the midst of shopping within the Royal Arcade, this customer made a brief stop over at Evans to enquire about the possibility of dyeing her newly purchased Nine West shoes from a darker to lighter shade.
Treatment
Cheaper shoes are not always a great option for re-colouring, as lower quality leathers or materials are sometimes less adherent to dyes. The original colour was stripped with chemicals opening the pores of the leather and allowing the shoes to absorb the white pigment. The dye was applied carefully to each of the straps, making sure not to spoil the beige inner lining.
How can we help?
Let our leather experts assist you in finding a solution. See our services page for pricing or get in touch with our specialists for a personalised quote.
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